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| South Africa: What to see | |||
| The Karoo | |||
>see photographs Overview This area takes its name from the San people (Bushmen who once roamed and hunted this land), from their word "kuru", meaning "dry" or "rough". This central South African high plateau has a vast and unforgiving landscape that is dominated by the wide steppe vegetation: silvery shimmering grasses that prevent the soil from drying out. The wide openness and the incredible stillness captivate those who venture here, and the setting of the sun starts with pastel shades of pink and blue that deepens into a magnificent nightly spectacle. The Karoo covers almost one third of South Africa, bordered in the south and west by coastal mountain ranges, and in the east and the north by the Orange River. Unfortunately man has left his mark and overgrazing by sheep has caused the original vegetation in many areas to disappear causing the spread of a semi desert. In the last 100 years the Karoo has almost doubled its extension and is still spreading into the neighbouring savannah. Attractions The Karoo National Park is a protected area where the Karoo vegetation is at least being partially re-established. Another preservation area surrounding the lovely town of Graaff-Reinet is the 16,000 ha Karoo Nature Reserve which is mainly mountain veldt, several species of antelope and interesting bird life. The Mountain Zebra National Park is small (7000 ha) and lies on the northern hills of the Bankberg range overlooking the Karoo (outside Cradock). It is devoted to protecting the mountain zebra, one of the rarest animals in the world. Cradock is an agricultural centre on the banks of the Great Fish River, 240 km from Port Elisabeth. It includes the Olive Schreiner House - typical Karoo house where this author lived. Also in Cradock is the Great Fish River Museum which depicts pioneer life in the 1800's. The Valley of Desolation This valley was formed millions of years ago by weathering erosion - extreme variations in the climatic conditions caused the rocks to crumble and form unusual rock formations. The Valley of Desolation is located a few kilometres northwest of Graaff-Reinet. Excellent views can be seen from a circular hiking trail that leaves from the car park. Climate An average altitude of 1200 metres in the central Karoo area results in summer temperatures that are hot but bearable, although they do sometimes rise above 40 degrees Celsius. Only 300 - 500 mm of rainfall falls here mainly in summer, and the winter months are almost completely dry. When to go The cooler summer months May to August. Activities Game-viewing, birding and well-known hiking trails including the Eerstefontein Day Trail and the Drie Koppe Hiking Trail. Accommodation Recommended accommodation includes: Graaff-Reinet: the Avondrust Guest House, the Drostdy Hotel and Buiten Verwagten. Cradock: Die Tuishuise How to get there By road Due to its extent there are obviously numerous approaches: from Cape Town you can get to Beaufort West on the R120, Graaff-Reinet on the R105. Cradock is approached on the main N10 north from Port Elizabeth. |
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